Canada Trip - Day 8

Day 8 (Oak Bay Day, 151 photos)

We began the day with a nature hike.  Swan Lake's nature trails were delightful, with sounds of birds everywhere but sightings of them were rare... other than the ducks and ducklings.  We did see a smattering of blackberries.... just signs that in a few more days to a week they would be plentiful!

We whipped into the store to replenish our food supplies and then had a packed lunch to enjoy at yet another lovely park near a lawn bowling facility.  We then set off for a day of reminiscing of old haunts. We began with a drive to Mount Tolmie to look out over the entire city, then to Haultain House, home of my youth.  It has seen better days.

With a drive by the old high school, and Oak Bay avenue, the firehall and old scout hall, past grandma's house and along beach drive we arrived at the Oak Bay Marina.

Our goal was to feed the seals.  Unfortunately while we looked around in the gift shop for a few minutes, a tour bus arrived and fed the seals.  They weren't all that hungry to begin with since it is mating season, needless to say it was a bit disappointing not to have many seals clamoring for our dead fish guts.  Whittaker was still thrilled to be able to throw his guts into the water though.  We were favored with two seals who entertained us for a while and a sea otter who kept snatching the guts from under the docks we were standing on.

From the Marina we drove along beach drive and saw the lovely city of Oak Bay.  I pointed things of interest out, like, I was pooped on by a sea gull there, or I broke my thumb riding my bike to school on that alley way, I used to love walking to Grandma's for lunch down that road, Oak Bay Tea Parties, end of school fun days at Willows Park, oh... they still have those cool swings on the beach!!  I loved those! (hint.. Patrick.. build one :-))

Willows Beach.  This was proclaimed their favourite beach/park of the trip!  It was awesome.  The Canadian geese swam around in the water and the kids (Patrick is included here), fed them the last of our bird bread.  Amber and Cory, set up their chairs and napped.  Grandma and Sarah took a walk along the esplanade.  Some played in the sand, some played on the park.  We enjoyed the views and the relaxing.

This boat favoured us with a delightful photo op.  In case we didn't get a good shot the first time it sailed past, it turned and sailed the other direction for us.  The snow capped mountain in the background, the beautifully, crisp, clear day across the waters and the full sails on the boat; It was truly picturesque.  

The long awaited Fish and Chip's night did not disappoint!  We headed to the Willow's Galley for our grub!  Once we ordered we headed to Cattle Point.

The evening included, seagulls, geese, crashing waves, exploring tidal pools and rocky waters edges.

It also included eagle sightings, otters, and a majestic sunset.

We also watched the vessels that sailed by.  The small sailboats, the large yachts, and the barges seemed to peacefully glide by our seaside supper.  (Makes me think of  Hyacinth Bucket's 'waterside supper with riparian entertainment'  from the british show 'Keeping up Appearances')

We attempted to track down a double decker city bus to ride, we drove first through the Uplands and then toward the university and finally we headed downtown.  We gave up on our pursuit after waiting for 3 bus waits to be disappointed by regular city buses.  Once downtown we found many double deckers which would take us on a 2 hour jaunt, but by now it was dark outside so we wouldn't see any sights anyway, plus half our crew was fast asleep.  The double decker bus would simply have to wait.  No, I mean we would have to wait for the bus... or for the ride on the bus for another day.

Canada Trip - Day 4

Day 4 (hiked 3 miles, afternoon on Whaling Station Beach, bliss, 122 photos)

Vacation time is in a realm all its own.  Schedules were gone, meals eaten when hungry, not by a clock, naps taken as needed, not by command, and activities happened as they happened, no rush, no fuss.

 In the morning we hiked the breathtaking Helliwell 3 mile loop.  

 Some hiked at brisker paces than others, 

(I wasn't sure how to keep track of two little boys on the portion of the hike near the cliffs, so I brought along the leash.  As soon as he saw it he and Esther were hooked up.)

If at first you don't succeed.... try again!

(I knew that Whittaker may not last the entire 3 miles of the hike so I had a contingency plan.  I was already wearing Emerson, so Patrick would have to wear Whittaker... not having worn him before it was a definite...TRIAL and ERROR!)

some of us packed others.  

(Whittaker appreciated the forethought of the carrying wrap.  Patrick... not so much!  I did point out that His toddler was only 5lbs more than the toddler I was carrying.  He pointed out the activity level of his and the length of the limbs.)

We saw, Cooper hawks, starfish, a garter snake, scotch thistles, 4 soaring eagles directly overhead, incredible views, crashing waves, and majestic forests.

Must remember to ALWAYS do the Helliwell hike.  It is fabulous!

Lunch back at the cabana and then off to the beach!  Jill had arrived and joined us. The day was slightly overcast but perfect.  Starfish, jellyfish, sand dollars, crabs, seaweed, wave jumping, skim boarding, digging for clams, napping, visiting, snorkeling, floating, RELAXATION... even for those who don't like the sand!

Skim boarding. The sport for the persistent.  He willingly carried the board that was as big as he is down to the water's edge.  He tried, tried and tried.  He watched others who were having success and then tried again.  He was not foiled.  He felt triumphant with his attempts.  He is surrounded by big kids and refuses to believe that he is any different nor less capable, than they.

Whittaker's reaction to the arrival at the beach was unexpected and jubilant.  We had been telling him we were going to the beach for days.  He of course had no frame of reference and went along with this 'beach' talk.  When he saw the beach finally he exclaimed,

"A SANDBOX!! A SANDBOX!!  A SANDBOX!!"

A game I never quite understood took place in the yard of the cabana during times of lull.

It was an aggressive game.  I knew enough that the winner was the one still on the log.

If I hadn't been there to witness it for myself I would have wondered how many stitches or how severe was the concussion for Duncan when he and Sebron went flying off the log this time, but remarkably, he didn't even hit his head.  This was a game I rarely watched.

 Others were busy with hair enhancements... having feathers put in their hair thanks to Bailey!  Followed of course by photo shoots!

Some volunteered for the photo shoot even without feathers in their hair!

Dinner of Enchiladas, very filling with a fire for roasting marshmallows and some hot cocoa made a great end to a long day of fun, and for falling asleep the instant heads hit the pillows.